U Street

RCKNDY Home/Office Furnishing Store Closes at 1515 U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

On Friday afternoon I started getting emails that something was going on at RCKNDY, located at 1515 U St, NW. Phone calls went unanswered at first then the line was disconnected and when I stopped by on Sat. I only saw this:

The store has been completely emptied. Their Website that is still live says:

RCKNDY (pronounced rock candy) is your resource for creating a new look for your home or office. We specialize in modern decor with an emphasis scaled to condo and apartment living. We’ve circled the globe to find the best in modern design the world has to offer including furniture from Blu Dot, Gus Modern, and American Leather. Our gift & decor selection compliments our furniture and is always changing so every time you visit our store you see something new. An inspired and unmatched inventory, creative merchandising, and knowledgeable sales team unite to give the RCKNDY customer an exceptional shopping experience.

We took a peek inside back in March ’08.

Were there any fans?

Judging Restaurants – Ben’s Chili Bowl

By Prince Of Petworth

Obviously Ben’s Chili Bowl, located at 1213 U St, NW, is an institution and no longer a “regular” restaurant particularly after President Obama ate there. But, it amazes me that the lines (admittedly there have always been some lines as long as I can remember) have remained this big, regularly snaking outside around the building. So I’m curious what folks think – are there still big fans out there?

You can see their menus here. I’m embarrassed to admit I had no idea they had a breakfast menu.

For the fans what do you order?

Personally I’m a huge fan of the chili cheese fries but to be honest haven’t stopped in for one in many months. I think I know what I’m doing for lunch tomorrow…


Local 16 Launces New Brunch Menu for Sat. and Sun.

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

Local 16 (1602 U St, NW) has announced weekend-long brunch, featuring items from their wood-burning oven.

Locals can enjoy staples such as French Toast made with Sour Dough and Fresh Maple Syrups or Eggs Benedict served with Proscuitto and Home Fries or venture out to try the Lox Scramble Pizza, a New York-style pie baked in a wood-burning oven and topped with marinara sauce, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and crème fraiche. Add a $3 Mimosa and your morning is complete! The full brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday, inside and on the roof-top patio from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Full menu after the jump. (more…)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day – Celebrate with DC United

By Prince Of Petworth

Well this doesn’t really have to do with St. Patrick’s Day but you can get free half smokes at Ben’s Chili Bowl courtesy of DC United and “Ben Olsen’s Chili Bowl.” And free half smokes should not be overlooked. From DC United:

March 17, 2011

Ben Olsen’s Chili Bowl
1213 U Street NW

Free half-smokes!

* 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Free half-smoke for every fan wearing D.C. United gear.
* 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Ben Olsen’s Chili Bowl is open! Free half-smokes for all fans!

Special t-shirts

* Buy a ticket to the home opener at the event and you’ll receive a free limited-edition Ben Olsen’s Chili Bowl T-Shirt.
* Check into “Ben Olsen’s Chili Bowl” on Foursquare.com and show it to a D.C. United staff member for a free t-shirt.

Join Ben Olsen and other D.C. United fans starting at 7:30 PM at Touchdown Bar. 1334 U Street, NW

Personally, I’ll be celebrating at Chickass…

Movement at Old Station 9 Space at 1438 U St, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in May ’10 we learned that the former space of Station 9 was for sale. More recently there has been a for lease sign out front advertising for a “retail/restaurant/office”. I happened to notice a couple of permits that have gone up which list proposed uses for offices and “2 family flat”. I wonder if they are also still looking for a restaurant or if all the space will be occupied by the flat and offices? I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available.

Local 16 to Host 2nd Grey DC Market May 21st

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user ken_1001

From a press release:

Local 16 and Grey DC announced a second Grey Market will be held May 21. The “Grey Farmers’ Market” held in February at Kushi allowed 15 local unlicensed/ uncertified vendors an opportunity for visibility and sales to over 350 people.

Grey DC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a stronger community in Washington DC. By organizing markets for unlicensed/ uncertified vendors, Grey DC offers a channel to those who otherwise would not have a chance to sell their wares.

“We are excited to now be a non-profit that can do more to support vendors to grow,” explains GreyDC founder, Maya Robinson. In addition to giving vendors an outlet to sell, Grey DC will begin giving grants directly to vendors to use for certification costs.

Local 16, a longstanding U Street neighborhood restaurant will house the next event. “As someone that supports local organizations, local events and especially local food we thought it was a perfect fit,” explains restaurant owner, Aman Ayoubi. Local 16 not only sources food locally, but they help subsidize a farm in VA, Whipple Farm. Ayoubi adds, “It is important for us to support local suppliers, without them how would we know where our food comes from?”

Grey DC will distributing vendor registration in April. If you or someone you know wants to be a vendor sign up at greydc.com.

Back in Dec. ’10 we learned of the launch of this new “underground market”. The first market was held in February at Kushi. Local 16 is located at 1602 U Street NW.

Do you have any problems purchasing food from “unlicensed/uncertified vendors”?

Standard Bar and BBQ Soft Opened this Weekend at 14th and S St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I thought you might like to know that I strolled by the BBQ place at 14th and S St, NW and they were open for the first time tonight [Friday]. The food looked pretty good (I didn’t try it, though, as I had already eaten) and they had Bell’s Two Hearted on tap – a personal favorite.”

Last Nov. we had an update on the new venture, Standard, which soft opened this weekend in the old, old Garden District space at the north east corner of 14th and S St, NW. At the time people were very optimistic. Based on the crowds (and smiles) I saw this Sunday afternoon – I’d say expectations were met. I stopped by last week to take a few photos of the inside but as you can see – the real appeal here is the amazing outdoor space. The beer options look good as does the bbq – but with weather like we had this weekend, this could be one of the best people watching spots in the city. Anyone happen to stop by this weekend?

After the jump lots more photos including the menu. (more…)

(Was it a) Good Deal or Not? Under Contract in 4 Days edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 2103 17th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Sunny, spacious, 2 BR, 1.5 BA historic rowhouse on quiet street at nexus of Dupont Circle and U Street. 1180 sqft. , open flr plan on main level, hardwd floors, brick fireplace, granite counters, & stainless steel appliances. Master BA w/ jet tub, separate shower. Fenced & landscaped front and back. Charming front porch w/ wrought-iron railing, large back deck. 10 min. walk to Dupont or U St. metro.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I was eager to post this as a regular GDoN but I was shocked to see it is already under contract in only 4 days. I love the location but was surprised that it is only a 2 bedroom. This 2 bed/1.5 bath was listed for $650,000. Do you think it went for that?

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